Martin County Water District #1

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How are sewer district bills calculated? Your monthly sewer rate depends on the type of system serving your residence or business. Each invoice includes a monthly base service availability fee or base rate plus a volume charge for each 1,000 gallons of water used. Properties served by pressurized systems incur an additional surcharge added to the base service rate and volume charge to cover operational costs for these specialized systems.

Why is my initial bill so high? Rather than requiring a deposit, the sewer district bills one month in advance. Your first invoice covers service from your connection date through one month beyond your billing date. This means you're being charged for a partial month plus at least one full month of service (note the "# days" on your billing statement). Subsequent bills will cover just one month. Credits transfer with you if you move within the district, and refunds are issued if you move outside the district.

Why am I charged for 5,000 gallons when I use less? Since the district cannot predict your household's typical usage, your first bill uses the county-wide average of 5,000 gallons monthly. After four months in a new home or business, you can request the district obtain your actual average consumption from your water provider. Your bill will then be adjusted retroactively to your connection date. You must specifically request a water usage review to receive credit if your average is below 5,000 gallons monthly.

How is my water usage determined? Your water consumption is measured by your water provider through meter readings at your property. The sewer district receives this data annually or upon customer request. You can verify your average usage on your Boone Electric bill.

How often does the district review water usage? An annual water usage update occurs each spring when your provider supplies your actual consumption from January, February, and March. Winter months are used to avoid charging for outdoor uses like lawn watering. This three-month average is applied to your billing from June through May of the following year. For properties with unusual seasonal patterns (golf courses, schools, etc.), alternative calculations may be used.

When might my sewer rate change during the year? Rate adjustments typically occur twice annually: January (to meet operational budget needs and capital improvements) and June (reflecting changes in your average water usage).

Will my sewer charges change if my water usage changes? Established accounts are typically only reviewed during the annual assessment. However, if your consumption changes significantly mid-cycle, contact us for a review. Adjustments are considered case-by-case.

Why am I billed for vacant property? District policy requires billing the base service availability fee on all connected properties regardless of occupancy. Vacant properties are charged only the monthly base fee without volume charges. Please notify our office if you're being incorrectly charged for water usage on vacant property.

Why is my sewer bill higher than my water bill? Three primary factors contribute: higher operational overhead (maintaining 22 facilities across a wide area), mandated capital improvements ($21 million program through 2019 to meet stricter water quality standards), and lack of federal grant funding that water districts received for initial infrastructure costs.

What should I do about water leaks? Will I be charged for leakage? Contact both your water provider and the sewer district immediately. Inform us when the leak began and when repairs were completed. For leaks during winter months, we can use pre-leak or post-leak data to calculate your average. Billing adjustments during the leak period are determined case-by-case.

How are non-metered water sources like wells billed? Customers using unmetered water sources are typically billed based on the county-wide 5,000-gallon average.

How are multiple properties on one water meter handled? Property owners receive a consolidated bill for all units sharing a meter. This includes the base service charge multiplied by the number of units plus the volume charge applied to the meter's average usage.

Can I arrange payment for overdue bills? Yes, contact our office at 573-443-2774 to discuss payment arrangements if you cannot pay by the due date.

Does the district offer bill payment assistance? Currently, the district does not have an assistance program, but other community organizations may offer qualifying help. Contact our office for more information.

What happens if I don't pay? Without payment or a payment plan, the district will request your water provider disconnect service. This will incur additional disconnect and reconnect fees on your account.